about this, your highness?”
Halmara felt as if his breath had been taken away. He fell back onto his throne and slumped down, defeated. “I still think it was a mistake to poison King Lousis.”
“I'm truly sorry, but that had to be done,” Yanti explained. “After poisoning my poor dear Salmitaya, it was an imperative.”
A messenger burst through the door and bowed low. “I bring news, your highness.” He handed King Halmara a rolled up piece of parchment. The boy bowed again and hurried away.
Halmara unrolled the parchment and read it carefully. “It would seem your attempt on King Lousis' life has failed.”
Yanti smiled, and waved his hand carelessly. “It matters not. Once the army is assembled and ready we will attend to that.” He turned to Sialo. “How go the preparations?”
“On schedule,” he replied. “Will you be staying?”
“Of course,” said Yanti. “I have learned not to leave these events unattended. Now if you will pardon me, I desire a wash and a fresh set of clothing. Please tell me this place is civilized enough to possess a shower.”
The king didn't bother to respond. He rose, led Yanti to the door and instructed the guard to show him to his chambers.
“You should be careful, your highness,” warned Sialo. “The Reborn King puts a great deal of faith in Yanti's judgment. You should maintain a pleasant relationship with him.”
King Halmara returned to his throne. He rubbed his finger along the cushioned chair arms, and wondered how long he would be allowed to sit here. King Lousis had been right. But it was too late now.
Chapter 30
Kaylia had been wandering the halls anxiously. Since Gewey had told her of the ships bound for Skalhalis, Valshara had been in a panic. Elf and human soldiers had been arriving for over a week, but so far there were only fifteen thousand in total, not nearly as many as they needed. The rest would not arrive for several more weeks.
Selena had been distraught when she heard of the attempt on King Lousis' life. She knew it was because of Salmitaya. That he had survived was the only thing that kept her from flying into a rage.
Riders and fauna birds came three times per day bringing news from the elf and human nations. The elf elders had galvanized their people and they were ready to fight, but many were far away, and it would take time to assemble them.
Nehrutu had ordered his ship to patrol the coast, but far out of sight, and to only observe and report. Should enemy ships attempt to invade the Althetan harbor, they would face skilled navigators more than capable of running ships aground.
Maybell had been escorted to Valshara two days prior. She was not the unyielding yet witty woman Kaylia remembered. And after hearing what had become of Malstisos, she understood why. The thought of such a noble elf falling prey to evil made her want to weep. Selena had taken Maybell under her charge, and kept her close. Kaylia hoped it would help Maybell become herself again.
Ertik had also arrived. When he told her that Theopolou left him to speak for the elves, she had burst out laughing. Only a short time ago, Theopolou had been opposed to contact with humans, and now he allowed a human to speak for his people. She wished she could have seen the old elf one last time before he went north. She feared he may never return.
As she tried to find things to keep herself occupied she heard cheers coming from the courtyard, and she hurried to see what it was. Just as she neared the front entrance, the door flew open, and there stood Gewey, dusty, hair tangled, and smiling widely. Aaliyah stood just behind him. Gewey dropped his pack and ran to Kaylia. He lifted her up, crushing her to his chest. Her heart leaped for joy. She felt as if she never wanted this moment to end.
Gewey looked into her eyes. “I missed you.” He kissed her with desperate intensity, as if he were trying to make up for their time apart in a single moment.
When their lips parted, she was unable to speak. She grabbed his head roughly, and pulled him to her, and kissed him again. Only the sounds of applause brought her back to rights. She smiled up at Gewey. “I have a surprise for you.” She held out her palm. A tiny ball of flame came to life. It hovered for a second, then she closed her hand, snuffing it out.
“Nehrutu has been a good teacher,” said Gewey, unable to take his eyes off her. “Speaking of Nehrutu, where is he?”
“I am here, Shivis Mol.” Nehrutu was standing in the doorway behind Aaliyah.
Aaliyah spun around. “It is…good to see you.”
Nehrutu smiled. “It is good to see you as well.” He stepped closer. “We have much to teach these people, Aaliyah. But there are also things I have learned from them.” He grabbed Aaliyah and pulled her close. For a moment he gazed into her eyes, then kissed her with tender intimacy.
Gewey smiled, suppressing the urge to laugh.
Aaliyah looked to Gewey and Kaylia, then back to Nehrutu. “Then we shall face the world as they do. Together as one.” She pulled away from Nehrutu and walked up to Kaylia. “Please forgive me. I only acted out of a sense of duty. But Darshan has shown me that I was mistaken. You are his true mate, and I will never doubt that again.”
Kaylia took her hands. “There is nothing to forgive. You were trying to protect your people. I might have done the same.” She cocked her head to the side as a realization struck her. “Darshan?”
“I will tell you all about it,” said Gewey. “There is much we need to talk about. But right now, I need to bathe and change.”
Selena approached from the far end of the hall. “It is good to see the two of you safe. And not a moment too soon.” She hugged Gewey, then turned to Nehrutu. “Please have Ertik gather everyone together in the receiving hall in two hours.” She glanced at Gewey and Kaylia, then smiled. “Make that four hours. You will forgive me, but I have things to attend to. I am excited to hear your tale.” She bounded off.
“That is as happy as I have seen her in some time,” remarked Kaylia. “But all this for later. For now, come…” She led Gewey to her chambers.
The room was simple, yet comfortable. A large oak bed was pushed against the wall in the far left corner, with a small desk opposite that. Just beside the door stood a polished maple wardrobe, and a small round dressing table and mirror. One unique thing Gewey noticed was that the lanterns had been replaced by elf orbs that hung from the ceiling in each corner.
Gewey set his gear next the wardrobe, with the exception of the bow given to him by Gerath, and took a seat on the bed, laying the bow beside him.
“The wash water will take some time,” she said. “You can tell me more about your journey until it comes.”
Gewey grinned happily. The moment Aaliyah had lifted the block on their bond, he had been so elated that he had scarcely told her a thing of their journey during their contacts. He picked up the bow and handed to her.
At once, she looked shocked and stood up, staring at the weapon in awe. “This is what was in the desert.”
“Yes,” he replied. “Along with other things. Now that I've given this to you, only you can use it.”
“I know,” she whispered. “I can feel it.”
“I wanted to give the staff to Theopolou,” said Gewey. “Where is he?”
“Perhaps you can save your tale for when the others have gathered,” she suggested. “Much has happened since you have been away.” She recounted the events of the past several weeks. She had just told him of the poisoning of King Lousis, when two servants arrived carrying a brass basin filled with hot water.
The servants left smiling and giggling impishly at the two. Kaylia stood and offered Gewey her hand. He took it and allowed her to help him to his feet.
“Enough talk for now.” Her voice was soft and seductive. “I have missed my husband.”
